The Laser Periodontal Therapy Guide: Risks and Benefits

Laser periodontal therapy is a revolutionary way to approach the treatment of periodontal disease. Gone are the days when traditional methods were the only option. Now, laser technology is becoming popular, offering a minimally invasive alternative. But with innovation comes questions. Let’s learn more about the world of laser treatment for periodontal disease, explore its benefits, understand its risks, and help you decide if it’s the right choice for your dental health.

We don’t do laser periodontal therapy because our patients see better results from flapping the tissue back and doing it manually. If you need this procedure and you’re in Utah, we can help! we have offices in Salt Lake City and South Jordan. Click the button below to request an appointment or give us a call. 

What is Laser Periodontal Therapy? 

The laser gum treatment approach is designed to remove infected tissue and bacteria from the gums while promoting the regeneration of healthy tissue. The procedure involves the use of a specialized dental laser that emits a focused beam of light energy. This laser precisely targets the diseased areas of the gums, vaporizing the infected tissue and bacteria without harming the surrounding healthy tissue. The laser also helps to seal blood vessels and nerve endings, reducing bleeding and discomfort during and after the procedure. 

How It Works 

The process typically involves several steps: 

1. Assessment: The dentist begins by examining the patient’s gums to determine the extent of the periodontal disease. This assessment helps in selecting the appropriate laser settings for the treatment. 
2. Laser Treatment: The dentist uses a specialized dental laser, which emits a focused beam of light energy. This laser is carefully directed at the infected areas of the gums. The energy from the laser vaporizes the diseased tissue and bacteria, leaving the healthy tissue unharmed. The laser also creates a sterile environment, reducing the risk of further infection. 
3. Debridement: After the laser treatment, the dentist may use ultrasonic instruments to remove any remaining tartar and plaque from the tooth roots. This step ensures that the area is thoroughly cleaned and prepared for healing. 
4. Regeneration: The laser treatment stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. It promotes the regeneration of healthy gum tissue and helps the gums reattach to the teeth. This step is instrumental in restoring the health of the gums and preventing further progression of periodontal disease. 

Risks and Benefits 

Laser periodontal therapy offers some benefits over traditional surgical methods, but like any medical procedure, it also comes with certain risks. Understanding both the advantages and potential drawbacks is always a good idea before making an informed treatment decision.

Benefits: 

• Minimally Invasive: The laser is precise and targets only the diseased tissue, leaving healthy gums intact. This results in less bleeding, swelling, and discomfort during and after the procedure. 
• Reduced Recovery Time: Because the procedure is less invasive, patients typically experience a faster recovery compared to traditional surgery. This means less downtime and a quicker return to normal activities. 
• Promotes Regeneration: Laser therapy stimulates the growth of new, healthy gum tissue and can help in the regeneration of bone lost to periodontal disease. 
• Decreased Risk of Infection: The laser sterilizes the treatment area, reducing the risk of infection following the procedure. 

Risks: 

• Limited Applicability: Laser therapy may not be suitable for all cases of periodontal disease, particularly in more advanced stages where extensive tissue damage has occurred. 
• Potential for Thermal Damage: If not used correctly, the laser can cause thermal damage to surrounding tissues, leading to complications. 
• Decreased Results: In our experience, laser periodontal therapy doesn’t have near the same results as flapping the tissue back and doing it manually. 
• Cost: Laser periodontal therapy can be more expensive than traditional treatments, and it may not be covered by all dental insurance plans.
• Need for Expertise: The success of the procedure depends on the skill and experience of the dental professional. It’s important to choose a practitioner who is well-trained in laser therapy.

Laser Periodontal Therapy Cost in Utah

The cost of laser periodontal therapy can vary widely depending on several factors. This would include the extent of the periodontal disease, the specific laser technology used, and the number of sessions required. In Utah, the cost of laser periodontal therapy can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more per quadrant of the mouth. 

If you have dental insurance that will cover a portion of your treatment, the cost could be considerably less. Keep in mind that not all dental insurance plans cover laser periodontal therapy, so. Check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and out-of-pocket expenses. 

What to Expect After Therapy 

Here’s what you can typically expect after laser periodontal therapy:

Immediate Aftercare: Right after the treatment, you may experience some minor discomfort, swelling, and slight bleeding in the treated areas. These symptoms are usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and by following your dentist’s post-treatment care instructions. Try to avoid brushing or flossing the treated area aggressively until it has had time to heal. 

Healing Process: The healing process after laser periodontal therapy is generally faster than with traditional surgery. Patients often report feeling back to normal within a few days to a week. The best thing you can do during this time is to maintain good oral hygiene and follow a soft diet to avoid irritating the treated gums. Your dentist may also recommend using a special mouth rinse to help keep the area clean and speed up healing. 

Follow-up Visits: You will likely have follow-up visits with your dentist to monitor your healing progress and ensure that your gums are responding well to the treatment. These visits are also a good time to address any concerns or questions you may have about your recovery and ongoing oral care. 

Long-term Outcomes: As your gums heal, you should notice a reduction in symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Over time, with proper care and maintenance, laser periodontal therapy can lead to healthier gums, reduced pocket depths, and improved overall oral health. It’s important to continue with regular dental check-ups and cleanings to maintain the results of your treatment and prevent future periodontal issues.

Laser Periodontal Therapy Alternatives 

While laser periodontal therapy has its benefits, there are several other alternatives to consider when treating periodontal disease: 

1. Scaling and Root Planing (SRP): This is a conventional non-surgical treatment that involves deep cleaning of the tooth roots to remove plaque and tartar. SRP is often the first line of treatment for periodontal disease and can be effective in managing mild to moderate cases. 
2. Traditional Periodontal Surgery: For more advanced cases of gum disease, traditional surgery may be necessary. This involves making incisions in the gums to remove diseased tissue and reshape the bone. While this method is more invasive than laser therapy, it can be effective in treating severe periodontal disease. 
3. Bone Grafting: This procedure is used when the bone surrounding the root of the tooth has been destroyed by periodontal disease. Bone grafts can be made from fragments of your own bone, synthetic bones, or donated bone. The graft helps to regenerate lost bone and stabilize affected teeth, which might otherwise need to be removed. 
4. Guided Tissue Regeneration: This surgical procedure is used in conjunction with flap surgery. A small piece of biocompatible fabric is inserted between the existing bone and tooth. This barrier prevents unwanted tissue from entering the healing area, allowing bone and connective tissue to regrow and better support the teeth. 

The Laser Periodontal Therapy Guide Conclusion 

Laser therapy is just one of many treatments available to help combat periodontal disease. However, at Utah Periodontal Specialists, we have chosen not to offer laser treatments as we believe the results are not as effective as other proven methods. We are committed to providing the highest standard of care using techniques that have consistently shown superior outcomes in treating periodontal issues. If you’re interested in exploring effective periodontal treatments, please visit us at our conveniently located offices in Salt Lake City and South Jordan, UT.